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• Ethnic Surgery Stats
• What are the most popular plastic surgery options amongst different ethnicities?

Ethnic Surgery Stats

Patients of different ethnic backgrounds have come under scrutiny over the last few years. An increase in the surgeries performed on their ethnic groups have grown exponentially over the last three years. This may be in response to the benefits of plastic surgery viewed in their local papers, or by their friends and family that have undergone the procedures. The numbers are extraordinary - they took a substantial jump in 2005, with nearly 2.3 million procedures performed, an increase of 65 percent from 2004, according to statistics released by the ASPS.

• Hispanics lead the way with over 921,000 procedures, an increase of 67% from 2004
• African Americans had 769,000 procedures, an increase of 67%
• Asians had 437,000 procedures, up 58%
• Hispanics made up 9% of 10.2 million procedures of 2005. The most commonly requested cosmetic procedures requested were rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and liposuction.
• African Americans made up 8% of the total cosmetic procedures of 2005. They most commonly requested rhinoplasty, breast reduction, and liposuction.
• Asians made up for 4% of the total procedures in 2005. They requested surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, and breast augmentation.

Across the board, all ethnic groups requested minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures like Botox®, injectable wrinkle fillers, and chemical peels.

All stats obtained from ASPS

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What are the most popular plastic surgery options amongst different ethnicities?

In an age where plastic surgery is looked upon as a method of fixing existing facial or bodily features, it is also a method used to enhance or create a better "you". In 2004, about 461,000 cosmetic and reconstructive procedures performed on African Americans in the United States. While this may only make up 5 percent of the total number of procedures done, it represents a 24% increase in procedures done on African Americans from 2000. Asians, Latinas and those of mixed heritage are now using it to enhance their natural features.

Over the years, rhinoplasty's were done in one manner across the board. All women tended to get the procedure done, and they were done in the exact same manner. Women of different ethnic backgrounds were given the same nose, and it was worn as a badge of having the procedure done. These days, procedure development has come so far that each ethnicity has their benchmark, and it can be maintained. Procedures don't have to be so dramatic anymore either - they are looked at as an opportunity to use what you have, and create a more beautiful you, where not having to wear the badge of honor is a positive outcome.

The most popular cosmetic procedures requested by the different ethnicities are nose reshaping/ enhancement, breast reduction and liposuction. Ironically, this does not deviate much from the general population, with the exception that more women, in general, are seeking breast augmentations as opposed to reductions.

Eyelid surgery has become a very popular procedure with those of an Asian- Pacific Islander background. Women are seeking to remove the extra lid that has become known for specifically Asian eyes. This procedure seeks to open up the eyes, giving it more of a Western feel- the eyes tend to look more awake and aware, giving the appearance of mixed heritage in some instances. Although the patients keep their distinct looks, it is easier for them to feel good about themselves and their looks, giving some the confidence they need to go out into the world and be happy.

With time, specialized surgeons understand the different nuances of different ethnicities. How skin and texture affect surgical procedures, healing time, and even the emotional impact the procedures have. With more and more surgeons focusing on learning the cultural contexts that these decisions are made in, it is becoming easier to attract a more diverse clientele.

The feeling that plastic surgery is reserved primarily for the rich and famous is a thing of the past- everyone can partake and enjoy the benefits that plastic surgery holds. Make an appointment today to discuss with your doctor what you'd like to improve, it just may change the way you see life.

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